POPULAR retail chain for second-hand and preloved items Value City has opened its 16th shop in Rakiraki.
The new shop is located at Bhima Holdings Building behind Lums Hot Bread Shop in Rakiraki town.
Value City marketing and public relations manager Monica Chute said the location is ideal as it is opposite the market and the bus stand, which allows them to serve those who come in from nearby communities.
“Previously, people had to travel to Tavua or Ba to shop and due to the fuel crisis and increased transportation costs now, this has allowed us to serve those who come in from nearby villages and settlements,” she said.
She said approximately $60000 has been invested and five people have been employed.
Ms Chute said the new shop was opened early this month due to public demand and offers all its popular products including recycled clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery, bric-a-brac, household ware, glassware and camping gear.
She said they are also upgrading their systems and are undergoing a digital transformation whereby Operations, Inventory, Finance and Human Resources management are undergoing strategic technological changes.
Value City currently has outlets in Nausori, Nakasi, Challenge Plaza LBE, Nabua, Regal Building Suva, Lami, Navua, Sigatoka, Namaka Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Taveuni, Savusavu and Labasa and will be further expanding to Seaqaqa, Korovou and Tailevu.
She said the rise in fuel costs and freights charges have also affected the business as they get their supplies from Australia and New Zealand.
“The rising cost of fuel has significantly increased our freight and operating expenses, making it more expensive to move stock across Fiji while keeping our prices affordable for customers,” she said.
She said some of the challenges faced are adapting to the ever-changing business environment, shortage of skilled and unskilled labor due to migration of workers and difficulty in finding and retaining reliable staff.
She said remittances from abroad have also disrupted the local workforce with high rates of absenteeism and lack of motivation in the workforce.
Ms Chute said to cope, they implemented cost-cutting measures within the organisation.
She said they are also upgrading their systems and are undergoing a digital transformation whereby Operations, Inventory, Finance and Human Resources management are undergoing strategic technological changes.
She said they also look forward to creating more awareness and advocacy for the importance of recycling and re-using, reducing waste and what goes into our landfills and the importance of shopping for recycled goods.
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Value City Rakiraki. Picture: KARISHMA KUMARI
